Kenya has signed a new agreement trade relation with China, following the May 1, 2026 announcement that 98.2% of Kenyan exports will now enjoy zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.
The move under the Kenya –China Early Harvest Agreement, is expected to reshape Kenya’s export, narrow the trade deficit and create opportunities across agriculture, minerals and value added industries.
For years, Kenya’s trade balance with China has tilted heavily in the trade sector . In 2025, imports from China reached USD 5.19 billion, while export stood at USD 130.68 million resulting to a trade deficit exceeding USD 5.06 billion. The new framework will offer a pathway to amend this imbalance, boosting foreign exchange inflows and creating job opportunities across the sector.
Kenya’s traditional export strengths include: tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts and fresh horticultural produce, which are one of the agreements. It also extends to mineral industrial inputs such as titanium ores and concentrates, zirconium and related mineral ores and manganese ores. Emerging and value-added products will also benefit in the zero-tariff agreement that includes: leather and hides, natural resins and gums and processed agricultural products.
To fully benefit from the agreements, entrepreneurs must meet strict requirements, such as registering both Kenyan authorities and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), and obtaining all relevant business and product-specific licenses.
They must meet Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards, which include phytosanitary certification from KEPHIS for plant and agricultural products, adhering to labeling requirements, ensuring traceability and comply with periodic inspections and export documentation. This will provide complete shipment documentation, including certificates of origin, health certificates, certificate of origin and related customs documents.
Government agencies such as Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) are working closely to ensure exporters are certified, market ready and well positioned to access Chinese market.
